Medication questions Finasteride
Is there any difference between Propecia and generic finasteride?
Short answer
Propecia is a brand name for finasteride 1 mg. A generic finasteride 1 mg tablet has the same active substance, the same licensed use and dose, and must produce the same levels of the active substance in the body. What can differ is the name, the look of the tablet, the packaging and the inactive ingredients, such as the amount of lactose. Both are prescription-only and carry the same MHRA warnings.
Key facts
- Propecia (Organon) is the original brand of finasteride 1 mg for male pattern hair loss, first authorised in the UK in 1999.
- A generic has the same active substance and must show it produces the same levels of the active substance in the body as the reference medicine.
- Inactive ingredients, tablet appearance and packaging can differ. Both Propecia and the generic SmPC we checked contain lactose, in different amounts.
- Both are prescription-only, both are for men only, and both carry the MHRA mood and sexual side-effect warnings.
- Finasteride 5 mg (Proscar and generics) is a different product, licensed for an enlarged prostate.
Brand and generic: what the words mean
Propecia is the brand name of finasteride 1 mg tablets, held in the UK by Organon Pharma. The Propecia summary of product characteristics (SmPC) gives its date of first authorisation as 20 September 1999 and describes a tan, octagonal tablet with a "P" logo on one side and "PROPECIA" on the other.
A generic is a medicine that contains the same active substance as a reference medicine. The European Medicines Agency explains that a generic must demonstrate that it "produces the same levels of the active substance in the human body as the reference medicine", is manufactured to the same quality standards as all other medicines, and can have different inactive ingredients, name, appearance and packaging. In the UK, each generic finasteride 1 mg product has its own marketing authorisation and its own SmPC, which you can read on the eMC.
What stays the same
Compared with the generic finasteride 1 mg SmPC we checked on the eMC, the Propecia SmPC matches on the points that matter to a patient:
Licensed use. Treatment of men with male pattern hair loss (androgenetic alopecia). Not indicated for women, children or adolescents.
Dose. One 1 mg tablet daily, with or without food. See how to take finasteride.
Legal category. Prescription-only. See finasteride without a prescription.
Warnings. Both state that mood alterations, including depressed mood, depression and, less frequently, suicidal ideation, have been reported, and both list decreased libido, erectile dysfunction and depression as uncommon side effects, with anxiety and suicidal ideation of unknown frequency. The MHRA's advice applies to finasteride 1 mg whichever name is on the box: see finasteride side effects and what the MHRA says.
What can differ
Appearance and packaging. Tablets differ in colour, shape and markings, so a switch between brands can look different even though the active substance is the same.
Inactive ingredients. Propecia's SmPC states each tablet contains 110.4 mg of lactose monohydrate. The generic SmPC we checked states 101.50 mg. Other inactive ingredients differ. If you have an intolerance to a particular ingredient or a rare sugar intolerance, check the leaflet of the exact product you are given and tell your pharmacist.
Pack sizes and supply. These depend on the manufacturer and the pharmacy.
If you notice a change after switching product, tell your prescriber or pharmacist, and report a suspected side effect through the Yellow Card scheme.
Propecia and Proscar are not the same thing
The confusion we see most is between Propecia (1 mg) and Proscar (5 mg). Proscar and generic 5 mg tablets are licensed for the treatment and control of an enlarged prostate, not for hair loss. The 1 mg tablet is the one licensed for male pattern hair loss, and the MHRA gives slightly different advice for each strength. We do not advise cutting up 5 mg tablets; see how to take finasteride.
Topical finasteride products are different again. The finasteride and minoxidil topical that WMG Meds can prescribe is an unlicensed special, prescribed off-label, with no Propecia or generic SmPC of its own; see topical versus oral finasteride.
Which should you ask for?
The prescription is for the medicine, finasteride 1 mg, and the pharmacy dispenses a licensed product accordingly. We do not rank brands. What matters clinically is the dose, taking it daily, and acting on the MHRA warnings: read the patient alert card, tell your prescriber about any history of depression, and contact your doctor about mood or sexual changes. If you would like a GMC-registered doctor to assess whether finasteride suits you, start the free online assessment.
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Start your free assessment →Related questions
Is generic finasteride the same as Propecia?
It has the same active substance, licensed use and dose, and must produce the same levels of the active substance in the body as the reference medicine. Inactive ingredients, appearance and packaging can differ.
Do generic finasteride tablets have the same side effects?
The SmPCs for Propecia and the generic we checked carry the same psychiatric and sexual side-effect wording, and the MHRA warnings apply to finasteride 1 mg regardless of brand.
Is Propecia available without a prescription in the UK?
No. Propecia and generic finasteride are both prescription-only medicines.
Does Propecia contain lactose?
Yes. The Propecia SmPC states each tablet contains 110.4 mg of lactose monohydrate. Generic tablets may too. Check the leaflet of the product you are given if you have a sugar intolerance.
What is the difference between Propecia and Proscar?
Propecia is finasteride 1 mg, licensed for male pattern hair loss. Proscar is finasteride 5 mg, licensed for an enlarged prostate. They are different strengths with different licences.
Sources
- Propecia 1 mg: summary of product characteristics (eMC, revised 29 June 2026)
- Finasteride 1 mg film-coated tablets (generic): summary of product characteristics (eMC, revised 10 September 2026)
- Proscar 5 mg: summary of product characteristics (eMC, revised 20 December 2024)
- European Medicines Agency: Generic and hybrid medicines
- MHRA Drug Safety Update, 11 May 2026: Finasteride and dutasteride, updated safety warnings
Facts checked against these sources on 22 October 2026. This page is general information, not personal medical advice. Read our editorial policy.